Zemplar Capsules (Paricalcitol) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zemplar Capsules

Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

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Zemplar Capsules Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Zemplar

Generic Name: paricalcitol (Pronunciation: PAR i KAL si tol)

What is paricalcitol (Zemplar Capsules)?

Paricalcitol is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Paricalcitol is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland) in people with chronic kidney failure.

Paricalcitol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of paricalcitol (Zemplar Capsules)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking paricalcitol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
chest pain, feeling short of breath;
feeling like you might pass out;
swelling, rapid weight gain;
pain or burning when you urinate;
dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, muscle weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions); or
early signs of vitamin D overdose (weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting).

Less serious side effects may include:

dizziness, spinning sensation;
back pain;
stomach pain, indigestion;
diarrhea;
mild muscle or joint pain;
sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose; or
mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about paricalcitol (Zemplar Capsules)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood.

Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, liver disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.

Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.

Paricalcitol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

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